Capitol Theatre

13 Campbell Street,

Haymarket,

Sydney,
NSW2000

We are lucky enough to have an Eberson Atmospheric in Louisville, KY. Opened as the Lowes in 1928, it was shuttered during the 70s-80s but repoened in most of it’s former glory. While this house too is now home to live productions, they do roll out a summer movie series. I was BO manager for the first two years of the series and it was a hoot. Lately they have been showing the same, kinda stale “summer blockbusters” and same-old same-old movies that are great, yes, but how about as little variety? North By Northwest? Awesome, can we have something else? Some Like It Hot? Not for four years in a row! Raiders? Fine, how about Blade Runner? Or 2001? Or Close Encounters? (Star Wars? Not as long as Luca$ is still alive). Check out the official page, with tons of cool pictures, at www.louisvillepalace.com

Hi Edwina,
I am writing an architectural biography of Henry Eli White for an Encyclopedia.
I would like to hear from you by email, so that I can add to his wonderful list of theatre designs.
Cinema Treasures has my e-mail address.
posted by Nava

Oh you lucky lucky people! In the UK we dont have such a stunning example of an atmospheric theatre left in such a stunning state as the Capital is. Ive seen a few shows here and i say they were very very good shows to compete with the show that surrounds you from the second you walk in.
Congratulations and i look forward to my next visit

Henry White was an Australian architect whom Eberson assisted in designing this theater and others in Australia and New Zealand, including the Ambassador in Perth, and apparently the Civic in Auckland. Shortly before taking on his projects in the southern hemisphere, Eberson had seen his Riviera Theater open in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. He and White toured this theater, and used its design as inspiration for all their theaters in Australia and New Zealand. The Riviera was also renovated and reopened in 1995, and is now called the Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center. I know the Rose well (perhaps too well?). Looking at photos of the Capitol, I see a definite family resemblance.

Thanks Paul. Thats the same way as with the Civic Theatre up in Auckland. They are using it for more stage shows rather than movies.

They do use the Civic for film festival’s though and they have a lovely flamingo curtain. If you are interested in seeing photo’s of Auckland’s Civic Theatre the website is http://www.friendsofthecivic.4t.com I hope you enjoy the website.

Hello Michael….No The Capitol is no longer available to screen films. There was a season of GONE WITH THE WIND in 1999 for its 60th Anniversary and for that The Capitol was fitted with projection equipment for the first time in 25 years. It was a popular 3 week season, but the management preferred to stay with live shows. I would have screened other classics there (CASABLANCA, ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD and RYANS DAUGHTER) but the theatre was not available as there was a further change in senior management and then THE LION KING went in which has had a hugely successful run. After June this year 2005,when that show closes it will likely stay with more theatre not films. You could contact management yourself via their website, not here. The theatre’s address is 13 Campbell St Haymarket 2000. They might even have photos you can purchase.

to Michael: it already is………but currently is staging THE LION KING for the next 2 years. After that, another symphony season will play there.
Even the the early 70s when it was a double feature cinema screening such wonders as CHROME AND HOT LEATHER + GOD FORGIVES I DON’T or perhaps BILLY THE KID VS DRACULA + JESSE JAMES MEETS FRANKENSTEINS DAUGHTER (at 80c too!)
the Australian Ballet and the Opera would each have a guest appearance season. Even Liberace played to packed houses in 1970. Then it became the home of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR for several years from 1972.
Milsie P above should contact a Sydney Daily Telegraph theatre journo;
Jessica above should contact the Theatre Management (like, der!)… Paul B.

Do you have any information on Zilla Moore who used to swim with the dolphins in a gold swimsuit in a pool at the Capitol theatre in the 30’s? I will buy the video also but any additional info about her?

Way back in 1944 I was a page boy at the Prince Edward, the Lyceum, and the Capitol Theatres in Sydney and loved every minute of my jobs until I outgrew my uniform. From the Capitol I went to the State Theatre as an usher. From there to the Plaza in George Street as commissionaire and finally ended up as a manager of various Hoyts Suburban Theatres, mainly at Arncliffe Theatre where I employed a lovely young girl as an usherette to look after the kids during Saturday afternoon matinees. She was a real hit and the theatre jumped from about a dozen or so occupied seats to almost full capacity of both the upstairs lounge and the stalls. The girl in question had a great deal to do with this dramatic increase in business. Her name?

Lorraine Bayly (star of the Sullivans).

With my wife and son I will be staying at the Capitol Square hotel from January 7th to 16th and intend to do the rounds of my theatres to ensure are being properly looked after.

I wish to purchase “Once Upon A Dream”. Is it available on DVD? I live in La Mesa, Calif.,USA. Please send me the NTSC version if not available on DVD, please send a VHS copy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like the Capitol Theater. You must be very proud of it! Thank You for your time and consideration. My address is 4855 Harbinson Ave.,La Mesa, California, 91941, U.S.A. THANK YOU!! Mike Ewing 9-15-2002